Pilot Briefing Schleicher ASK-21 N421G
Updated September 2, 2016
File: ASK-21 Notes Burtt Compton GBSC 2016-09-02.doc Page: 3 of 10
GROUND HANDLING. The wingspan is 17 meters which is 56 feet. This leaves only
2 feet on each wingtip with our 50 foot hangar opening. The wings are longer than the
Blanik move the glider slowly in or out. Helpers giving a “thumbs up” at each wingtip is
better than verbal.
Since we must always keep both of the canopies fully closed, moving the ASK-21 means
we will usually push it backwards by the nose or wing root.
To push the glider forward, leave the canopies closed and push from behind the wing,
palms flat on the top of the wing, near the spar.
(Remove rings. Do not scratch the glider with your belt buckles, rings and watches.)
Pushing gently down on the nose lifts the tailwheel so you can turn the glider.
DO NOT SKID the tailwheel sideways - you will damage the wheel rim. Do not try to turn
the glider by the wingtip without having a helper push down on the nose or lift by the rear
fuselage. NEVER lift a glider by the tip of the horizontal stabilizer / elevator!
The ASK-21 may use a removable tail dolly. Always remove it before flight, and never
leave the glider with the tail dolly still attached, as it may swing quickly in a wind gust.
Getting In and Out. The ASK-21 sits lightly on the tailwheel when empty.
It dips down onto the large nosewheel when you get onboard. To keep the glider from
banging down onto the nosewheel, push down on the cockpit side rail and then get in.
Getting out, push down on the cockpit side rail to keep the tail from banging back down.
Close the canopies immediately, rear canopy first.
If you or your passenger needs a handle, the fuselage “hoop” is strong but not to be
grabbed at the very top – use the lower sides of the hoop by the fuselage.
Pre-Takeoff Runway Alignment. Before takeoff, the ASK-21 will be resting on its
nosewheel (and main.) At the start of the takeoff roll, the glider will go in the direction it is
pointed, so always align the glider towards the towplane before getting in. At low speeds
without rudder and elevator authority, it will roll wherever it was pointed!
Landing Alignment and Rollout. Aim the glider at roundout (flare) to the very
center of your landing zone. Try to hold the nose up at touchdown, but it will quickly slow
and dip over onto the nosewheel. Wheelbrake is full aft on the airbrake handle.
Crosswind. With only an 8 knot max demonstrated crosswind, the ASK-21 will
“weathervane” into the wind, even when on the nosewheel, as the rudder is small, and the
tail is up in the crosswind when the nose is down on rollout. Be ready!
Do not relax on rollout. Use the wheelbrake (full aft airbrake) as much as required.
Continuous hard braking may overheat the brake pads, reducing effectiveness.
To Next Page
Loading...
